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Despite the challenging environment of COVID-19 and social unrest, having a sound framework can empower you to make wise financial wealth decisions. Good financial health does not keep markets from going down or being volatile, but it does allow portfolios to weather those storms without suffering lasting harm. The key is maintaining proper perspec...

Even when there is a financial gift to sufficiently endow an art collection today, there is no certainty that the endowment will be able to fund the charity indefinitely into the future. When there is no charity willing to preserve the collection, the artist or collector should consider using a private foundation. Especially now as the future of mu...

The economy is still aimlessly lurching from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and those fits may spill over into tax-filing season. It’s likely that a disproportionate number of filers will have some income and capital gains they weren’t expecting as the result of mutual fund distributions last year. Through an effective tax-manage...

A solid governance structure is critical to any private trust company’s long-term success. Through a thoughtful review that includes useful diagrams and outlines, learn the common elements of the PTC structure; the Board role and responsibilities; the Board attributes, composition, selection process, and succession planning; and addi...

The possibility of dramatic tax changes on lifetime gifts and after an individual’s death has increased with introduction of the For the 99.5 Percent Act and the Sensible Taxation and Equity Promotion Act in the U.S. While it remains early in the legislative process, the chances of significant changes are growing and the window for action is ...

Once the private trust company’s (PTC) governance structure is designed, the foundational operations and administration elements will be central to bringing the PTC to life. Three key elements toward that end include reducing PTC complexity through documentation and recordkeeping; maintaining the PTC through communications and compliance;...

With the IRS increasing their funding and enforcement, upper income taxpayers should expect the IRS audit coverage to increase dramatically on them. It’s important to prepare for the tax changes that are coming—and coming quickly. Along with having a team of professionals on your side, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. N...

Investors occasionally look to their municipal bond portfolio for loss-harvesting opportunities that reduce the impact of capital gains taxes on portfolio returns. Learn how an active tax-loss management strategy ensures year-round performance, maximizes tax alpha, and minimizes costs.

While no tax legislation has been drafted under the Biden administration, one thing we know for sure is that taxes will go up. Being aware of the proposals being discussed can help you prepare for what comes next, including what you should be considering for both income tax and estate tax planning this year.

Lawmakers have passed the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) to help in the ongoing fight against fraud, corruption, terrorism financing, and money laundering. The CTA contains significant new federal reporting obligations, and it may have an especially onerous impact on estate planning for those who accomplish their planning goals through the u...

Over the past decade, Tennessee has significantly elevated its position as a preeminent jurisdiction to situs a trust. With the latest enacted legislation in the state, that situs status is maintained. Some of the more significant enhancements of the legislation include the ability to designate applicable law, registration of a trust, and additiona...

Most small businesses begin their financial lives using Intuit's QuickBooks, but if your business has moved beyond the entry level, your organization may be facing a number of challenges as you hit the limits of QuickBooks’ functionality. With the right framework and guidelines, you can assess the hidden costs of continuing to use QuickBooks along ...

The IRS is coming out of its silos. Between July 15 and September, the IRS will audit several hundred high-income individuals and one or more related entities, typically one or more pass-throughs. This action will require a coordinated and appropriate response by the taxpayer and his or her advisors and the advisors of the related partnerships...

To develop an effective succession plan for your personal collections and tangible assets—including art, fine jewelry, wine, and antiques—you must understand their monetary value. In this ten minute interview, Natalie Annis and Brian Lucareli discuss estate planning for personal collections and the additional tax con...

Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the federal estate tax exemption was temporarily doubled through December 31, 2025. Effective January 1, 2026, the exemption limits are scheduled to be reduced by half, adjusted for inflation. Charting the change and inflation adjustment, the projected limits are provided for your tax and estate plannin...